Search Privacy Violations, Breaches and Complaints
This database was last updated in December 2015 ago and should only be used as a historical snapshot. More recent data on breaches affecting 500 or more people is available at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Breach Portal.
VA Great Lakes Health Care System (VISN 12)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on October 20, 2011. Also cited in 130 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000067852, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 12 Madison, WI
Issue:
"Confidential VA paperwork" was found in a public area of a contracted VA homeless program by one of their employees. Information regarding at least two (2) Veterans was on paperwork. The employee did not realize this and returned the paperwork to one of the Veterans. That Veteran still has the paperwork. The Program Director notified the VA liaison, Veterans and involved staff, except the Privacy Officer, who was notified by the patient advocate and Chief of Mental Health. The paperwork contained the Veteran's name, full SSN, date of birth and diagnosis. Update: 10/24/11:One Veteran will be sent a letter offering credit protection services.
Outcome:
All VA staff who work in the community will utilize a locked box/briefcase to transport VA files. Staff have been re-educated on proper handling of protected health information (PHI) and constant awareness of documents. Staff have been reminded that all documentation will remain secured in a locked office when not in use and will be carried away by the employee to VA premises. All consults will now be delivered electronically in a secure manner. Site staff (GDP program staff) will provide individual locked mailboxes for Veterans and staff have been educated on proper procedures to follow if VA sensitive information is found, securing it until it is returned to VA personnel.